Friday, August 29, 2014

You know who needs more screentime? Senior Criminalist Susie Chang. Now this may seem counterintuitive, given that almost every time Susie pops up on screen she is crotchblocking Jane and Maura. But I really enjoy her interactions with them, when she isn’t interrupting their flirting over dead bodies. Actually, she’s kind of critical to the continued rom-comesque feel of the show. Jane and Maura are clearly meant for each other, and Susie (and being closeted) is the obstacle they need to overcome. See, it’s classic. You can’t fight the formula, people.

Though, in all seriousness, I think Tina Huang plays well against both Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon. Her chemistry mixes well with theirs, plus she seems like a fun gal if you follow her on the Tweeter Machine.

Plus, Susie can make you a kick-ass lesbian diorama. And she’s a nudist. Hold up, that means there is a 100 percent chance there are nudie dioramas somewhere. And there’s about a 95 percent change she has made naked dioramas of Jane and Maura together. Please, everyone at the precinct knows. Especially Susie. Happy weekend, all.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

1,2,3,4, I won't take no anymore. 5,6,7,8 Now we don’t have to because they’re reuniting. Fine. That cheer totally doesn’t work. But the sentiment is true because just the thought of Natasha Lyonne reuniting with her “But I’m a Cheerleader” director Jamie Babbit is making me want to shake some pom-poms.

The women will reunite for “Fresno,” what sounds like a dark comedy about two sisters who wind up in the title city cleaning hotel rooms together. Natasha plays the “stoic lesbian” sister and Judy Greer plays the “sex addict with no impulse control and a long history of poor decisions.” According to Deadline:

“When they accidentally kill a guest, the sisters are forced to confront their unpleasant co-dependent relationship.”

So it’s “Sunshine Cleaning” with more murder and more overt lesbianism, hopefully?

The movie is just brimming with talented gay lady bona fides. In addition to Jamie, the script comes from out “Portlandia” writer Karey Dornetto and is being produced by Jamie’s ex, Andrea Sperling, who is also producing the much buzzed about Amazon show “Transparent.” Yeah, Fresno is that gay. No word yet if Anne Heche will show up, too, searching for the mother ship.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Piper & Alex 4EVA. God, I know I shouldn’t because of all The Reasons. But I just love seeing Piper and Alex together. Or, you know, Taylor Schilling and Laura Prepon for those who insist on reality. I mean the way they look at each other – God DAMN. Too bad “Orange Is the New Black” got totally shivved by the Emmys. Still, it was fun to watch all the Straight (and Gay Gals) Acting Like Gay Gals all night long. Sure, all of the same people won again. But we won because, you know, amazing ladies looking amazing together. (Except that thing where the producers weren’t listening when Beyoncé taught the world about feminism and literally put a woman on a lazy Susan to turn while a man spoke. Ooof.)

Natalie Dormer & Lucy LiuWhoa, suddenly I ship Moriarty and Watson.

Sarah Paulson & Lizzy CaplanUgh, now I ship this, too.

Angela Bassett & Jessica LangeThe Voodoo Queen and the Supreme together is the definition of bow down, bitches.

Allison Janney & Kate WalshI love these women. I do (have) not watch their shows. Counterintuitive, but true.

Amy Poehler & Julia Louis-DreyfusYou know, I have nothing against Elaine Benes. But I want Leslie Knope to kick her ass and take her Emmys.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

My heart, my poor, poor little human heart. Yesterday the stunning news came that “Lost Girl” was going to end after its upcoming fifth season. I honestly did not see it coming. I thought it had a good two seasons left in the tank. But I think they were very, very smart to allow Anna Silk herself to announce the bad news to fans. It was a classy move for a show that has always treated its fans with class. And, I admit it, when Anna got a little teary I got a little teary. Hey, I said I was only human.

This show has blazed a trail as one of the very, very, very few to revolve around a singular gay female character. Granted, there probably won’t be another bisexual succubus on television anytime soon. But it mattered that this show was about Bo. And it mattered who Bo loved. And it mattered that they showed that love.

Annd spoke about the show’s impact with Entertainment Weekly as well. This is a cast who, believe me, has always known the impact they have had on fans. And they have never taken us for granted. As she told EW:

“I think the most impactful fan encounter I had was with Zoie. We had a young woman come to us, and she was just shaking and crying and said, ‘It’s because of you guys that I was able to come out, and talk to my parents about it.’ It meant so much to her, and that meant so much to us, because Zoie and I always said from the beginning that we wanted the relationship to be real. It’s not just two chicks making out on TV. That won’t resonate with people. I mean, it will resonate with some people. But it was never that. I remember that young woman, just the way she spoke and the shaking—it took a lot of courage for her to come and tell us that. I get really nice fan letters that say things like, ‘Thanks for making me feel more brave.’ I think growing up everyone has people that they look up to—whether that’s celebrities or characters on TV that make them feel stronger. I think that’s important.”

Yes, yes, it is important. I will very much miss this show. And I sincerely hope I see its talented cast (Anna, Zoie, Ksenia, Rachel, Emmanuelle et al) on my teevee again very soon. But for now, let’s cross our fingers and hope our fine Fae and human friends ride off into a blaze of glory with the glorious ending they deserve. Dammit, did I mention I’m going to miss this show?

Monday, August 25, 2014

Say what you will about Beyoncé (and what you’re saying is a little prayer, as she has taken over as our pop culture lord and savior), but she has never shied away from the F-word. Yes, she’s a feminist. It’s right there on the screen at the MTV VMAs. No mistaking. And regardless of what you think of Beyoncé’s pop iconography or booty shakes or personal dramas (hey, sometimes shit goes down when there’s a billion dollars on an elevator), I think it’s wonderful she would choose this moment to promote the ideal. I’d happily gif feminism any day.

And, like in her single, Queen Bey again sampled Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED speech “We should all be feminists,” which said:

We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, ‘You can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise, you will threaten the man.

Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Now that sentiment is the perfect way to start off a week, hell, a life. Is there a bucket of ice we can throw at each other for feminism to go viral?

Friday, August 22, 2014

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning the most perfect lesbian flower shop in the world, this is your chance. The shop formerly known as Flowered Up from “Imagine Me & You” is for sale. The London location is/was actually a shop called Fonthill Pottery, which the producers of the film rented out to use as Luce’s little corner shop. But now (thanks to a head up from reader @defygravity1974), the store is for sale.

THIS IS OUR CHANCE, LESBIANS! Kickstarter to buy Flowered Up and turn it into a real floral shop/lesbian mecca! Who is in?

Alas, even if we did buy it, I highly doubt it comes with Lena Headey’s smiling face. Sigh. But, goodness, the memories.

Happy daydreaming and weekend, all.

p.s. But really, this thing would be a total moneymaker. Turn the back room into an exclusive make-out spot. Charge extra for a bed of roses to get thorns in your bum. Think about it. This could work.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Yesterday Lindsay Lohan (I know, I’m sorry) posted this selfie of her reuniting with Tina Fey. The two were together for an EW photoshoot celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Mean Girls.” The photo (which she apparently since deleted off her Instagram, oh LiLo) reminds me of two of my favorite things: First, Tina Fey – duh. And second, early 2000s Lindsay Lohan. So I guess in a way it also makes me sad, because so much has happened for her since those 2004 glory days. But who knows. Maybe Tina can write her comeback vehicle and she will finally realize her potential we all saw on “The Parent Trap” all those years ago. Women helping women. That’s just like the rules of feminism. I mean, that’s highly doubtful. But we can dream. Until then, get in losers, we’re going shopping.

p.s. Though tthe real and lingering question from “Mean Girls” isn’t what happened to Lindsay’s career, but whether Janis Ian really had any lesbian tendencies or not. I say, despite her dancing with the mathlete, yes. Come on, once she got to college? Totally too gay to function.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Throw like a girl. Play like a girl. Punch like a girl. All that gendered bullshit we’ve heard all our lives. The horrible insult of it all to be associated with girlness. It’s a wonder any of us make it our of childhood to become fully functioning human beings what with our inherent terribleness.

Yes, pity us – the girls of the world. Oh, wait, did I say pity? I meant respect us. Appreciate us. And if you’re a batter staring down the barrel of Mo’ne Davis’ 70-mph fastball, fear us. The 13-year-old became the first girl to throw a shutout in the Little League World Series. Her accomplishment also landed her the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, thus becoming the first Little Leaguer ever to receive the honor.

Mo’ne is also the 17th girl to play in the Little League World Series in 68 years. The sixth to record a hit and the fourth to post an RBI. Well, they can’t all be firsts – and that’s a good thing.

The best thing about her success is her very cool, very refreshing attitude about herself. When asked to describe her pitching she said:

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Maybe Kristen Stewart is your thing, maybe she isn’t. Maybe prisoner detainees of war movies are your thing, maybe they aren’t. But I do know that Kristen Stewart in military fatigues is something relevant to most lesbian interests. So I post this as a public service to my people’s. As Demi Moore and her shaved head were a sexual awakening to many a burgeoning 1990s gay lady, so may K-Stew and her gunny cap be to 2010s kids. Be all that you can be, K-Stew.

Monday, August 18, 2014

I like romance as much as the next gal. But I’m not usually that enamored with what Hollywood has called romance. So much swooning, so little smarts. But the new Starz series “Outlander” is both swoony and smart. And best of all, at least so far, it is decidedly feminist. The series is told entirely from the point of view of Claire Randall, an English nurse transported through unknown mythic forces from her post World War II life into the rough and tumble 18th Century Scottish highlands. Don’t question the physics of said space-time continuum disturbance, just know it had to do with a monolith and some druid dancing.

But instead of just being a fish-out-of-water story or a fantastical Whovian adventure, this time travel story is both undeniably romantic and unexpectedly thrilling. This is really good, really sweeping stuff. Even without the time travel this could be considered a period piece, yet the series has a modern edge. And I think it’s because we’re seeing it through Claire’s eye. Here is a woman who uses only her intelligence and instinct to survive. This is also a woman who is allowed to express her sexual desire, and a show that pays attention to her sexual pleasure. Gosh, what a crazy concept.

Already it’s made some very pointed statements on sexual menace, the one sexuality we’re most often allowed to see on screen in relation to women – no matter the time period. As Claire tells a Scottish nobleman who questions her predicament in the second episode, “Is there ever a good reason for rape, Master MacKenzie?”

Nope, nope there isn’t.

The clearest sign that this story has sucked me in already is that I wish it was on Netflix instead of Starz. That way I wouldn’t have to wait a whole week for the next episode, and the next and the next.

p.s. All through the premiere episode I was driving myself crazy trying to figure out who Caitriona Balfe, the woman who plays Claire, looks like. And I finally figured it out. She is Joanne Kelly’s Scottish doppelganger. Well, she did touch an artifact and travel through time. Makes sense, really.

Friday, August 15, 2014

So earlier this week I was rewatching “Far From Heaven” and I noticed, really noticed, who was playing Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid’s maid. It was Viola Davis. I’d just never paid attention before. Which is terrible, but true. So watching now, knowing who she is, I was struck once more by how limiting our preconceived notions of people can be. This stunning actress who had won a freaking Tony the year before was the blink-and-you’ll-miss-her maid in “Far From Heaven.” Jesus. I know there’s been a lot of discussion in the African-American community (and some outside it) about Viola later being nominated for an Oscar for also playing a maid. But all roles are not created equal and I’d never fault her for taking any of her roles. I fault a system which cannot see past color or size or age or gender to sexual orientation to tap into talent. Talent is talent, no matter the form. But this also makes me doubly happy that Viola gets to sink her teeth into something extra meaty with her new ABC series “How To Get Away With Murder.” Sure, the premise (and characters) seem morally ambiguous at best. But, come on, it’s Shonda Rhimes. Shit’s gonna be good. Also, since I have already done a regular Weekend Crush on Viola, please consider this a crush on her arms. They deserve all the screentime they can get. Happy weekend, all.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

I try to keep things pop culture related and relatively light here most of the time. This is for fun, after all. But you cannot deny the culture part attached to the pop we so enjoy. I’ve watched with more and more appall as news has out of Ferguson, MO this week. The unwarranted tragedy of police shooting and killing an unarmed 18-year-old black teen named Mike Brown has been made exponentially worse by the absolutely bananas law enforcement response to protesters. Combat gear. Armored vehicles. Tear gas. Flash bombs. Assault rifles. FUCKING SNIPERS. All pointed at citizens of the United States of America exercising their First Amendment right of the people peaceably to assemble.

An alderman thrown in jail. A state senator tear-gassed. Two reporters arrested. And if they’ll do that to those folks, think what they do to everyone else? Yes, there has been some, isolated violence. Yes, I believe police have a responsibility to serve and protect. But this is not how you calm and control lawful citizens. So what if people are angry? They should be angry. This response is overkill. This response is unacceptable. Did anything look like this when Clive Bundy and his nutso armed-to-the teeth militia wouldn’t pay grazing fees he rightfully owed the government? Nope. And all these pictures were just from yesterday. Hell, this is the police response I’d expect for a hostile alien invasion, not people engaged in legal protest. There’s so much left to do. Thanks for letting me vent. May today be a better day in America, and the world.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Oh, geez. What a bad couple of days. Lauren Bacall was one of my original silver screen crushes. Icon doesn’t seem strong enough a word. She was the epitome of a movie star, impossibly cool and impossibly beautiful. She was, is and will always be The Look – the best look in all of Hollywood. The way she could just turn her eyes and dismantle us all completely. Sigh. One of the greats, kittens. One of the absolute greats.

Just put your lips together and blow, indeed.

p.s. I hate hate hate smoking. But damn damn damn if she didn’t make it look so fucking sexy.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

I meant to write about “Outlander” today, which I will – just later this week. Instead I just want to say that for years I had a “Dead Poets Society” poster on my wall. And I tear up just thinking about that “O’ Captain, My Captain” scene. Of course the terrible, terrible irony is that a man who brought so much laughter to the world seems to have taken his own life from depression. The universe can be fucking cruel. It wasn’t just that Robin Williams was funny, it was that he was a kind and boundless spirit. So watching him was always a joy. Yesterday when news broke of his passing you could practically hear us all let out a barbaric yawp at the incalculable loss. We who probably have never met him, but still felt his death viscerally. He was so loved. I hope he knew that. His play was more than powerful, and we waited eagerly for his every verse. Thank you for everything.

p.s. You are worth it, too. If you are struggling with depression please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline day or night: 1-800-273-8255

Monday, August 11, 2014

Good morning, kittens. Are you awake? Are you sleepy? I’m sleepy. So how about a bucket of ice water to wake you up? Oh, not, not on you. That would be rude. How about a bucket of ice water on Rachel Maddow. Yes, Lesbian Nerd Heartthrob Rachel Maddow. Yeah, now you’re awake. The ice water trick is part of this celebrity Ice Bucket Challenge for charity. Rachel will explain the details herself. But needless to say it’s for a good cause and she also gets to throw down a challenge to Liz Cheney. So, really, it’s a wonky nerd dream come true. Happy Monday!

Friday, August 08, 2014

Hey, are you going to a party this weekend? Have you been to a party ever? Or possibly you hope to go to a party at some point? (Did I cover all of my bases?) Well, then, this right here is the video for you. Professional YouTube Lesbian Extraordinaire Hannah Hart demonstrates what you are actually thinking at almost every party you have ever attended. So, please, learn from her before you head out to that party this weekend. Or realize what you did wrong at that last party you went to. Or know what you should do at the next party you go to. Whew, it’s tough covering all those bases. Happy weekend, all.

Thursday, August 07, 2014

It’s hard to think of ways to improve the sublime sexiness of a woman in a nice suit. But put her in a nice suit and take a black and white picture and, well, you’ve mad a good thing even gooder. Hush now, I’m looking at black and white pictures of women in suits and ties. Ain’t nobody got time for good grammar. Fine. Better – the word is BETTER. Now, do you feel better? Oh, sorry, not about the grammar. About the black and white pictures of women in suits. Duh.

Cate Blanchett
I’m pretty damn excited to see Cate and Rooney Mara lesbian it up in “Carol," from Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price Of Salt” – even if the age difference eeks me out. But, then, I think it’s supposed to.

Charlotte Rampling
At 68 she was just featured in a new ad campaign for Nars lipsticks. I’ve never heard of Nars lipsticks, but I certainly like them more now.

Léa Seydoux
I could make an obligatory “Blue Is the Warmest Color” joke here. But I’ll take the high road I love this looks except for the frilly cuffs. I just want to scissor those. Oh, shit. Sorry, I tried.

Beyoncé
Life’s a lot easier if you just accept and acknowledge that Beyoncé is our new lord and savior.

Charlotte Sullivan
I feel bad that I don’t watch “Rookie Blue.” Yeah, that’s all I got.

Bette Davis
Old-School Suit Game Status: Impeccable.

p.s. Fixed it. My most humble apologies for not delivering Charlotte at first as promised. For shame.